Which writ is issued when the court finds that a public official is not performing their legal duty?

The correct option is Mandamus.

Explanation

The Constitution of India empowers the Supreme Court (under Article 32) and the High Courts (under Article 226) to issue prerogative writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights and other legal rights. These writs are borrowed from English law.

Analysis of the Options:

• Mandamus: Literally meaning "we command," this writ is a command issued by the court to a public official asking them to perform their official duties that they have failed or refused to perform. It can also be issued against any public body, a corporation, an inferior court, a tribunal, or the government for the same purpose. Therefore, this is the correct answer.
• Certiorari: Literally meaning "to be certified" or "to be informed," this writ is issued by a higher court to a lower court or tribunal either to transfer a pending case to itself or to quash the order of the latter. It is curative and preventive in nature.
• Quo-Warranto: Literally meaning "by what authority or warrant," this writ is issued by the court to inquire into the legality of a claim of a person to a public office. It prevents illegal usurpation of public office.
• Prohibition: Literally meaning "to forbid," this writ is issued by a higher court to a lower court or tribunal to prevent the latter from exceeding its jurisdiction or usurping a jurisdiction that it does not possess. Unlike Mandamus, which directs activity, Prohibition directs inactivity.

Key Takeaway: The writ of Mandamus is specifically designed to enforce the performance of public duties by officials who have failed to discharge their legal obligations.